FALL 2015 ARC Horizons Newsletter

A Publication of Genesee County Chapter NYSARC, Inc.
Golisano Foundation Grant
Focuses on Employment
Carl Jones, Redemption Center Manager, with Mark and Wesley, employees of the Genesee ARC Redemption Center.
Thanks to a $75,000 grant from the B. Thomas Golisano
Foundation, plans are proceeding for renovations at our West Main Campus
location. The project, called ONE STOP aligns with the Golisano
Foundation’s commitment to support innovative projects that help adults
with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities lead fulfilling and
productive lives.
The plan calls for construction and facility upgrades to the Genesee
ARC Transfer Station, 3785 West Main Street Road, Batavia, to facilitate
trash disposal, recycling, bottle redemption and secure document
destruction through ARC’s Genesee Data Management. The project will
provide employment for five to eight individuals with disabilities.
Funding for ONE STOP was also received through a Balancing
Incentive Program (BIP) grant through the Office for People With
Developmental Disabilities. Additional funding is being sought through
private donations to complete the full scale plan for the ONE STOP service.
In the meantime, the Genesee ARC Redemption Center is open for
business during the Transfer Station hours, Monday through Saturday 8:00
a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Wednesdays until 8:00 p.m. All NYS returnable
soda, beer and water bottles and cans are being accepted.
The entire community will benefit with the availability of a centrally
located, convenient ‘one stop’ center for recycling, bottle redemption,
document destruction and trash service.
Fall 2015
Genesee & Orleans Update
Unification Vote
With unanimous votes by The Arc of
Orleans County and Genesee ARC Boards
of Directors, plans are moving ahead to
unify the two agencies that are chapters of
NYSARC, Inc., the largest disability service
provider of its kind in the nation.
Donna Saskowski, longtime
Executive Director of the Genesee Chapter
has also been overseeing the Orleans
Chapter since April. “For months we have
been meeting to discuss how we can
collaborate and share services,” Saskowski
said. “This was the next logical step,” she
added.
Orleans President John Huber calls
this a progressive move noting unification
will expand opportunities for people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities in
both counties. ”Our new dream is to adapt
to the changing horizon while providing
expanded services to the people we serve,”
Huber said.
Genesee Chapter President Candie
Pocock echoed Huber’s comments, “What’s
important for families, staff and individuals
in both Chapters to understand, is that
programs and services will continue in each
county, and now have the opportunity to
grow.”
(Continued on page 11)
Remembering
Thelma C. Montreal
Genesee ARC
lost a dear friend earlier this year with the
passing of Board
Member and parent,
Thelma C. Montreal.
Genesee ARC proudly
dedicates this edition
of our newsletter to
Thelma to recognize
her tireless efforts on
behalf of people with
disabilities.
Executive Director’s Report
by
Donna Saskowski
Dear ARC Community,
The field of service for people with a developmental
disability or other intellectual impairment (I/DD) has been
undergoing considerable change. The Office for People with
Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is calling this a
“transformation”; and it certainly is.
Program regulations, reimbursements, guidance
documents, and oversight are changing more rapidly than ever.
For the most part this can attributed to the new role within
OPWDD of the New York State Department of Health and
federal oversight by the Centers of Medicaid and Medicare.
New York State continues to feel the pressure to reduce its use of
Medicaid funding and the matching federal dollars. There is a greater emphasis
on data collection and fulfilling outcome based measures. Future developments
will undoubtedly include phrases such as “pay for performance” and “value
based payments”.
While New York State and OPWDD are struggling to navigate the path
toward managed care in the field of I/DD, they are continuing to move to that
end. The Commissioner has been meeting with an appointed panel to try and
workout strategies that can help the state achieve its goal.
Some early reports indicate that three (3) major areas are being strongly
recommended: 1) reducing the cost of services, 2) providing very high quality
services and 3) insure all outcomes are measurable to show success in both
areas 1 and 2.
All agencies within the OPWDD system will be challenged in these
areas. Each agency is at a different place and must move forward in an
informed manner in order to maintain current or future service models. There
are multiple sets of criteria we are all asked to meet from different oversight
agencies, OPWDD, OMIG, and CMS as well as NYSARC, Inc.
Amidst all of this high level discussion and negotiation NYSARC chapters
and staff must also insure we are not losing sight of our primary mission – to
support those we serve. This is a risk that cannot be ignored. Thoughtful and
persistent focus on service provision and quality must remain as a tenant for
future planning. While striving to meet all of the compliance metrics may help
insure funding it may not insure the individuals we serve are receiving
opportunities for optimal choice in their lives.
Person-Centered planning will be key for all future plans. The Council
on Quality and Leadership (CQL) is an organization that can assist agencies
maintain a focus on providing high quality, consistent services to those who may
want services. Genesee ARC is pursuing CQL accreditation which should be
completed by early 2016.
In order to address both the aggressive path of regulatory change and
insure quality, NYSARC has embarked upon the “It Matters to Me” campaign.
You can find out more about this in the report. The campaign helps families,
staff, and individuals to advocate and educate the community about needed
services.
Contact with all legislative representatives on a routine basis should be
on each families “must do” list. Speaking to our state/federal reps in the off
season is often preferable. Local schedules are more accommodating when
Congress or the State Legislators is NOT in session.
There are many other initiatives and events occurring at Genesee ARC,
some of which you will see in the following pages. Our Annual Basket Raffle is
a great opportunity to help support the agency and our services.
(Continued on page 5)
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Genesee ARC
Board of Directors
President
Candie Pocock
Vice President
Debrah Fischer
Treasurer
Jane Scott
Secretary
Deborah Riggi
Ronald Cummings
Mark Daube
Kevin Fisher
Susan Maha
Jane Meier
Henry Valerych
Executive Director
Donna Saskowski
LMSW
Senior Management
Associate Executive Director/
Director of Quality Assurance
Beth Hopkins, BSW, M.S.Ed.
Director of Administrative Services
Carolyn Dawson, SPHR
Director of Development
Shelley Falitico
Chief Financial Officer
Kevin Graham, CPA
Director of Employment Services
Scott Jones
Director of Residential Services
Debra LaDue, COTA, BA
Director of Day Habilitation Services
Anthony Lewandowski, B.A., M.S.Ed.
Director of Operations
Paul Saskowski
Director of Community Services
Kim Stisser, LMSW
Newsletter Editor
Sandy Konfederath
skonfederath@geneseearc.org
ARC Horizons is Genesee ARC’s Membership
newsletter. It is designed to educate and inform
our Membership, families and the community on
issues pertaining to disabilities and events at
Genesee ARC.
Statewide Grassroots Advocacy Campaign: “It Matters to Me”
Genesee ARC and its State association, NYSARC, Inc., are encouraging
people to share their personal stories on the issues that matter to them.
NYSARC has launched the “It Matters to Me” campaign to bring attention to
critical issues affecting individuals with disabilities and their families, as well as
the organizations and employees who are dedicated to serving them. Key issues include: Residential housing for people with I/DD living at home with aging caregivers; convincing the Governor that people should be allowed to remain in a Work Center setting if they prefer that to working at a job in the community; School to work transition
services for young adults with I/DD and urging the State to provide funding for Direct Support Professionals to
receive a wage increase.
Personal stories are the most effective way to bring attention to these issues. NYSARC has asked all of its
member agencies to reach out to people with disabilities and their families, as well as the agencies’ employees, to
share their personal stories. NYSARC is posting many of these stories on its web site and social media channels.
Please contact Coordinator of Community Relations Sandy Konfederath at skonfederath@geneseearc.org or
(585) 343-4203 to discuss how YOU can be involved in the “It Matters to Me” campaign.
Employer Partner Receives
Statewide Recognition
Ronnie
Sumeriski
2015
NYSID
Award
Nominee
“We truly appreciate the hard work and effort the team from our local ARC provides for
Bessey Tools. They are a conscientious group that cares about the work they do, which we feel
they do very well. At Bessey Tools, we are proud to have the privilege to serve our community
through Genesee ARC. We look forward to a long standing future relationship.”
Jeremy Smowton, Vice President, Finance, Bessey Tools
Bessey Tools is being recognized statewide with a NYSARC Employer
Recognition Award. The company, whose U.S. headquarters is in LeRoy, New York,
is a manufacturer of metal and woodworking clamps. Genesee ARC has had a
business relationship with Bessey Tools for the past fifteen years and has had an
onsite enclave at their factory since January 2013,
employing 6 to 10 people daily.
Scott Jones, Director of Employment
Services at Genesee ARC said individuals work at
ten different stations, assembling clamps, operating
drill and hydraulic presses, packing and barcoding
products. “When Bessey Tools decided to move an
assembly operation from Long Island to LeRoy, they
asked Genesee ARC to handle the production
because of our quality work and 15-year track
record of excellence,” Jones said.
Jeremy Smowton and Dan Norman of
Bessey Tools will receive the award October 23 at a
Pictured at Bessey Tools in the top photo
luncheon at the Albany Hilton during NYSARC’s
is Jared and the bottom photo is Sarah.
Annual Fall meeting.
3
“I knew I could do the job, and
do the job well!” These are the words of
Ronnie Sumeriski recalling his first day on
the job with Genesee ARC’s Cleaning
Crew. It was November 8, 2010 and
Ronnie was right.
Ronnie and the crew have a
number of cleaning contracts including
Liberty Pumps in Bergen and several
other small businesses scattered
throughout the 501 square miles of
Genesee County.
Mopping, sweeping, dusting,
vacuuming, Ronnie tackles each task
efficiently and thoroughly, because he
knows the customers are counting on
him. He has even taken on extra,
independent jobs as needed including
floor stripping and waxing.
Ronnie is a valued member of
the Genesee ARC Cleaning crew, and has
taken on a leadership role among his coworkers.
Genesee ARC nominated Ronnie
for a 2015 William B. Joslin Outstanding
Performer Award through the New York
State Industries for the Disabled (NYSID).
Project Lifesaver Debuts in Genesee County
For many families who have children diagnosed
with developmental and intellectual disabilities,
including Autism – Project Lifesaver is viewed as
exactly that – a LIFESAVER!
Genesee ARC has partnered with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department in support of
their effort to bring the Project Lifesaver program
to Genesee County.
The program is part of Project Lifesaver
International, a non-profit organization that bridges the technological gap for “at risk” populations
and public safety agencies. It provides police, fire/
rescue and other first responders with a comprehensive program including equipment and training
to quickly locate and rescue individuals with cognitive disorders who are at risk due to behaviors of wandering and other
safety concerns. Project Lifesaver has over 1,400 participating member agencies throughout 48 states in the U.S., six
provinces in Canada, and Australia, and has performed 3,016 searches over the last 16 years with no serious injuries or
fatalities ever reported.
Project Lifesaver provides equipment, training, certification
and support to law enforcement, public safety organizations and
community groups throughout the country and nation.
Children identified and their families received training and their
Project Lifesaver bracelets this past July at the Genesee County
Sheriff’s Office. The program is overseen by Sheriff’s Deputies
trained in the Project Lifesaver program. For more information on
Project Lifesaver, visit www.projectlifesaver.org.
(Photos: Top - Deputy McCarthy talks to Deb Riggi and her daughter Cassidy; Left - Sheriff’s Department
officials meet with ARC Medicaid Service Coordinators to explain the program; Right - Rebecca Fath of
WHEC-TV interviewed parent/advocate Kerri Powers and Sheriff Gary Maha about Project Lifesaver.)
Day of Caring
Makes a Difference!
United Way Partner
“At the United Way we
have many partnerships with our
local agencies. One such partnership which we greatly appreciate is with the Genesee
ARC. Whether it is providing
volunteers to help pack food for
our Backpack Program, providing us with space for our Day of
Caring meetings, or lending us
leadership to our Board of DirecThank you United Way Volunteers! Genesee
tors and various committees, the
folks at the ARC have never said
ARC is one of 35 local agencies that benefitted from
“NO”. They are an example of
the Annual United Way Day of Caring. This year,
nearly 400 volunteers participated in the spring event, Top Down Leadership and see
the value in our partnerhelping agencies and organizations in Batavia and
ship. We are happy to ansurrounding communities with projects like painting
nounce them as one of our 6
and landscaping. Above photos: Planting flowers at
races in our United Way Race
ARC’s West Main Campus and painting at the Garibaldi Series and look forward to helping them grow the attendance at that
event. We are pleased that this year they are recipients of one of our
IRA. Volunteers also sealed driveways at five agency
new grants and are now an official United Way Agency. For that reaIRAs and did weeding, painting and planting at 64
son and many more we are happy to announce our 2015 Partner
Walnut Street. Thank you to everyone who helped
Agency of the Year is the Genesee ARC.” (As presented by United Way
make this day a big success!
Director Erik Fix to Executive Director Donna Saskowski.)
4
Family Support Services Creates Beautiful Banner
The Family Support Services team
created a beautiful banner for the Finger
Lakes Collaborative Arts Experience 2015
event. Banners from each Collaborative
member chapter were on display at the Arts
Experience Gala in Geneva.
Pictured are Family Support Staff
Members Angie Spikes and Abbigayle Henry
working with children in the FSS program to
make leaves and flowers. The banner design
took about three or four weeks from start to
finish. “Hands down!” The FSS Team and the
individuals they serve did a great job at
designing an amazing one-of-a-kind banner.
Executive Director’s Report
Community Involvement
(Continued from page 2)
Genesee ARC and the Arc of Orleans have continued their work on
collaboration. Our Boards have met regularly to explore what types of shared
meaningful activities will have a positive impact on both chapters. In September of 2015 both Boards of Directors agreed to go forward to unification in a
more formal manner. Future work will focus on helping each chapter become
stronger fiscally, in areas of quality and in providing a supportive work environment for our staff.
I would also like to acknowledge the passing of one of our Board
members, Thelma C. Montreal. She was an early activist, advocate and
health educator through her work as an RN and parent. She never minced
her words but also held great capacity for caring and giving. I continue to use
her recipes in my jam collection and thoroughly enjoy using quince which she
introduced to me many years ago.
Later this year the Genesee ARC Cookbook will be published with a
section dedicated to Thelma and her special recipes.
As the year moves to the fall I continue to urge each reader to Act,
Advocate, Learn, Teach, and become a Partner with Genesee ARC to move to
an even better future for the people and families we support.
Donna
5
Genesee ARC was in two parades this spring and
summer, the Memorial Day parade in the City of
Batavia and Elba’s Annual Onion Festival parade!
Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony
The spotlight shone on dozens of awards recipients during
Genesee ARC’s 49th Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony. This
year’s 2015 Spirit of ARC Award recipient is Delre’s Greenhouse and
Garden Center of Batavia. Owner Larry Delre and family have long
welcomed visitors from ARC to their West Main Street Road
Greenhouse, enhancing the true meaning of inclusion in our
community. Visits to Delre‘s began when Day Habilitation Program
Staff Member, Joy Bookmiller, was seeking a sensory experience for
her group that was based in the community. “Delre’s Greenhouse
was the perfect setting for visits that offered smells, textures, visuals,
and even edible sensory experiences,” Executive Director Donna
Saskowski said. “The friendliness of Delre’s staff only added to an
already great experience, always taking time to personally speak to
each individual and helping them feel welcomed” she added.
Delre’s also loans clay pots to Day Hab which individuals paint and
return to the store.
A Stafford resident was singled out as Genesee ARC’s 2015
Volunteer of the Year. Luanne McKenzie is a member and longtime
Executive Director Donna Saskowski with LuAnne McKenzie — Volunteer of the Year; Norm supporter of Genesee ARC. She has helped grow Genesee ARC’s
Hubbard and Bill Kegler of Chapin Manufacturing — Business Partner of the Year; and Larry
annual basket raffle event as a committee member/event volunteer
and Beth Delre of Delre’s Greenhouses and Garden Center — Spirit of ARC Award.
and is always assisting ARC’s day habilitation program at the
Genesee ARC Community Center. The McKenzie’s run a 200-acre, 70 head dairy farm. LuAnne is a former 4-H leader and helps
wherever she’s needed at Fair time. She is also a member of the Genesee County Farmland Protection Group, is the Regional Rep for
Dairy Farmers of America and is a past member of Pavilion Central’s Committee on Special Education. Luanne and her husband
Richard have 4 daughters and nine grandchildren who love to visit and help out on the family farm. Her daughters, Melissa, Lisa,
Amanda and Sherrie, speak of a strong, amazing woman and shared they are so happy their Mom is being honored with this award.
Chapin Manufacturing has been working in partnership with Genesee ARC for over 20 years and was presented with the 2015
Business Partner of the Year award. On hand to receive the award were Chapin’s Norm Hubbard and Bill Kegler. ARC Director of
Employment Services Scott Jones said Chapin’s work center contract sales doubled from 2013 to 2014. “We reached out to Chapin in
early 2014 and convinced them to send more work our way. They did and we delivered,” Jones said.
Friend of ARC Awards were presented to: Mabel Buchina – When Mabel Buchina heard of a Pay It Forward Project that
ARC’s Self-Advocacy group was interested in, she helped by donating material and sewing the finished products. The result was 6
beautiful quilts with squares decorated by individuals served by ARC. The quilts have been donated to the VA, Genesee County
Nursing Home and someone going through cancer treatments; Danise Levine - A Registered Architect and Certified Aging in Place
Specialist, Danise is the Assistant Director at the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access at SUNY Buffalo. She has
worked on many projects with Genesee ARC concerning environmental modifications for individuals and their families and always
gone above and beyond in helping meet the needs of the people served; Erin Saile and Sara Manurung – Each owns a ceramics/
pottery business in Genesee County and work together to offer ceramics classes to
individuals with disabilities served by Genesee ARC. Erin and Sara teach the classes
weekly at the ARC Community Center and have developed quite a following. Genesee
ARC is saluting them for their time, talents, respect and care they share with individuals
served.
The following are 2015 Genesee ARC Achievement award recipients: Alicia
Royse, Jacob Klotzbach, Judy Barlow, Corinne Phelps, Chris Jakubowski, Richard
Kinnett, Chris Hartgrove, Ning Kongmany and Tom.
Pictured to the right are Genesee Staff Shining Star honorees for 2015: Jen
Sutherland, Medicaid Service Coordinator; Amy Martin, Assistant Residential Manager;
Tammy Zastrocky, Senior Bus Driver and Daniel J. Crofts, Day Habilitation Assistant.
Longevity awards went to the following individuals: Brad Poodry and George
Smith - 40 years; Judy Hollwedel, Donna Wolcott and Harry Stone - 35 years; Donna
Weis, Jon Hedrick and Will - 30 years; Mark Daube - 25 years and Jennifer Pawlak,
Maria Collett, Michelle Pocock, Shane Borton, Todd Berkemeier, Barbara, Karen and
Audrey - 20 years. Staff longevity award recipients were: Carolyn Dawson - 35 years;
Michelle Mahler and Claudia Nigro - 25 years; Sherri Raab and Daniel Cox - 20 years;
Betsey Kelsey, Sandra Pangrazio and Brenda Moscicki - 15 years and Vanessa
Dempsey, Shelley Falitico, Pamela Fry, Benita Smith, William Sofia, Darrell Weller,
Jean Zajaczkowski, Molly Smith, Michael Grosshans and LeeAnn McEwen - 10 years.
Also announced at the Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony are Board Officers for the
upcoming year: Candie Pocock, President; Debrah Fischer, Vice President; Jane Scott,
Treasurer and Deborah Riggi, Secretary.
6
Great Showing in GLOW Race
Nearly 40 Genesee ARC
Staff participated in the GLOW
Corporate Cup August 6.
Overall, 742 people finished
the course. The top female
ARC runner was Katherine
Harris with a time of 24:14
and the top male runner was
Justin Allen who crossed the
finish line at 24:41. There was
also an ARC connection to the
top overall male runner, Corey
Brown. Corey (Crickler
Vending Team) is the son of
Paula Brown, Admin Assistant
at the Genesee ARC Day
Habilitation Center.
THANKS EVERYONE FOR
PARTICIPATING!
Mary Anne Graney
Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to the 2015 recipients of
the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship: Katie
Kesler, Abbey Hume and Kathleen Fischer, pictured
with ARC Director of Development Shelley
Falitico. The Genesee ARC Mary Anne Graney
Memorial Scholarship is for area high school seniors
interested in a career working with individuals with
disabilities. The scholarship is named in honor of
Mary Anne Graney, a long time friend of Genesee
ARC and disability advocate. Katie and Kathleen
are pursuing careers in Occupational Therapy and
Abbey is studying Psychology and Counseling.
Internship Opportunities
Gina Muroff interned over the
summer in Genesee ARC’s Culinary Arts
Program. Gina is from Oakfield and is
now in her second year at Niagara Falls
Culinary Institute, where she is a baking
and pastry student.
Gina has always been
interested in cooking and baking and
that interest turned into a career path
when she studied Culinary Arts at
Genesee Valley Educational Partnership
during high school.
ARC Culinary Arts Manager
Becky Gugel shares Gina was a great
help to the Culinary Program. “She
brings fresh techniques and knowledge
from her schooling. I always appreciate
extra help and we were happy to aid in
her studies,” she said. “Gina came in
ready to work and get her hands
dirty...I am excited as this brings more
recognition to our program and
hopefully will provide a platform for
future interns,” the Manager said.
Since completing her internship, Gina has been hired as a Substitute
Culinary Arts Specialist, so she will be able to work in the program when
needed and as her school schedule allows. Congratulations Gina!
How to Apply for an Internship
Students interested in internship opportunities at Genesee ARC
need to contact Shelley Falitico at sfalitico@geneseearc.org or 343-4203
ext. 222. Applicants are encouraged to apply early so school, agency and
training requirement deadlines can be met. Genesee ARC has had interns in
several program areas including Family Support Services, Residential,
Employment and Day Habilitation.
7
Friends & Family 5K
Mary Anne Graney Memorial
Top runners Kimberly Mills, Andy Cowan.
Tournament Winners
A Basom woman and a
Batavia man were top winners in
the 11th annual Genesee ARC
Friends & Family 5K/Mary Anne
Graney Memorial September 26.
Congratulations to Kimberly Mills,
the first woman over the finish line
with a time of 19:35. She was just
seconds behind Andy Cowan, the
top male, whose time was 19:26.
The 2015 event was a record setter in terms of participants
with 229 people registered for the
5K and 108 for the fun walk. Add
in 60 enthusiastic volunteers, food,
music and perfect weather conditions and it was fun for everyone at
the Day Hab Center’s beautiful
campus on Barrville Road in the
Town of Elba.
Genesee ARC was a part
of Genesee County’s first ever Runner Series this year, sponsored by
United Way. Runner of the Year
results will be announced in late
October.
The 5K raises funds for
ARC programs and services and the
Mary Anne Graney Memorial
Scholarship Fund. To date, 28
area high schools students have
been awarded scholarships through
this program. For complete race
results visit www.pcr-timing.com.
PHOTO TO LEFT - Thank you Fenton’s
Produce, Porter Farms, Harrington’s Market,
Bakery & Café, Panek Pumpkin Patch,
Torrey Farms, Partyka Farms, Watt Farms,
Schwab Farm, G. Mortellaro & Sons, CY
Farms, and My-T-Acres for donating produce for our popular Taste of Elba display!
Record Membership!
The Genesee ARC Membership Committee extends
heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in the 20152016 Membership Drive! With your support, we exceeded
900 Members for the first time in Chapter history with a final
total of 901 Members!
Supporting the annual Membership Drive helps increase our advocacy at the state and national levels, giving
Genesee ARC and the families and individuals we serve a
more influential voice in legislative matters. Most important,
your membership is a statement that you believe in the importance of Genesee ARC and support our mission! THANK
YOU!
8
Congratulations to the winning bocce team in our
July 21 Tournament at Stafford Country Club . Winners
pictured are Donna Hummel, Bryan Falitico, Joe Teresi,
JoAnne McInerney.
In Golf, Tina Lambert
received low gross honors
with an 86 and Maria
Woodward placed with low
net score of 71. For men,
Rod Hamilton earned low
gross with a 72 and Paul
Barton low net with a 62.
In the blind bogey category,
Mark Yost was selected the
winner. Top score in tennis
went to Steve Rumery. First
place team honors went to
Steve Rumery and Phil
McNulty and second place
team went to Steve Clemm
and Len Jasinski.
Save the date! The 40th Annual Genesee ARC Danny
Lullo Memorial Golf, Tennis & Bocce Tournament will be
held July 11, 2016 at Stafford Country Club. We look
forward to your participation!
Special Thanks to our Event Sponsors!
Webster Szanyi LLP
Batavia Turf/Katie Houseknecht
Paul & Donna Saskowski
Robert & Marcia Noonan
Terry & Art Marshall
Max Pies Furniture
The Williams Law Firm, LLP
Mary & Pete Marullo
Silvestri Investments
The Perillo Family
Sugarland Deli Provisions
The Gambino Family
John & Lisa Santasiero and Gianna
Friends for the Future
Carl & Candie Pocock
The Moran Family
Larry & Neen Oberlies
The Minor Family
Gretel Ekbaum
USA Payroll, Inc.
The Sheridan Family
Cassidy & Masha Riggi
Oakfield Family Medical Care
Uncle Bill Coughlin
O’Lacy’s Irish Pub
Dr. Bob Marchese DDS
The Wormley Family
Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home
Ron & Wanda Gilbert
Arctic Refrigeration
Health & Wellness Sponsor
Neighbor-to-Neighbor Sponsors
Tournament
Ice & Beverage Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
C.H. Wright Distributing Corp.
Sanzo & Sons, Inc.
Wal-Mart
Tops Friendly Markets
Pepsi Bottling Group - Rochester
Holiday Ice ~ Ray Tortorice
Friend of ARC Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Ralph & Agnes Houseknecht
Ed Arnold Scrap Processors, Inc.
Genesee Valley Penny Saver
Castilone Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Parkview Health Services
The Daily News
Tops Friendly Markets
Alpina Foods
Oakfield Family Medical Care
Bessey Tools
Erie and Niagara Insurance Association
Rochester Regional Heath/
United Memorial Medical Center
Stephen M. Hawley Associates ~
The Insurance Center
Golf Sponsors
Adam Miller Toy & Bike
Dobmeier Janitorial/SCA Paper Co.
Eaton Office Supply
Freed Maxick CPAs P.C.
Gilmartin Funeral Home &
Cremation Company, Inc.
Jaeckle Fleischmann & Mugel, LLP
Ken Barrett Chevrolet-Cadillac
Key Bank
Marchese Computer Products
Max Pies Furniture
National Grid
Oshlag, Saleh & Earl ~ Kevin D. Earl, Attorney
Paul & Donna Saskowski
Philadelphia Insurance
Sloat Tire Shop
Wendy’s Restaurants of Rochester
William Long Associates
Yancey’s Fancy
In Memory of Valerie Penepent Western New York Concrete Corp.
Tennis Sponsors
Lamb Farms, Inc.
Donna Ferry - SJF Construction
V.J. Gautieri Constructors
Jerry & Carmella Reinhart
Bocce Sponsors
WBTA Radio - AM 1490 & FM 100.1
Realty USA
Five Star Bank
Damon Barclay LLP
The Neff Mulcahy Group at Ameriprise Financial
ESL Federal Credit Union
Hole-In-One Sponsor
Castilone Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Cart Sponsor
Manning Napier
Stan’s Harley Davidson
Five Star Bank
Clark Patterson Lee
Masha & Cassidy Riggi
Susan Maha
Dan & Debbie Fischer
Tri-County Welding, Inc.
Terri B. Starowitz, CPA
Orcon Industries
Silent Auction Sponsors
Lambert’s Design Jewelers
Max Pies Furniture
Friends & Family 5K
Mary Anne Graney Memorial
Title Sponsor
Univera Healthcare
T-Shirt Sponsor
Genesee Valley Penny Saver
Media Sponsor
WBTA Radio AM 1490 & FM 100.1
Corporate Sponsor
Parkview Health Services
Registration Brochure Sponsor
Sis Martin
Phil & Bonnie Coburn
Carolyn Dawson
Bruce & Nancy Baker
Jim & Mimi O’Brien
Ruth Andes
Campbell & Rogers
The Valerych Family
Henry & Rose Nowak
Batavia Legal Printing
Friends & Family Sponsors
Race Series Presenting Sponsor
Brendan & Julie Kelly  Betsy Dexheimer
Grace Burton & Ron Seyb  Georgia Childs
Ellen Ryan  Terry Wojteczek  Shannon Ferguson
Joan Weiss  Betty Neth  Diane Lang  Jill Hart
Richard & Katherine Chapman  Caroline Budniewski
Richard & Martha McAndrew
Alpina Foods
Community Cares Sponsors
Becky, Brendan, Michael & Elise Harris
77 Construction, The George Family
Frederick W. Graney ~ Merrill Lynch
Jamie & Myles
Charles Graney & Tommy
Zoo Crew
Michael A. Kubiniec, DDS
Clarice, Chris & Andrea, Ian & Tanya
Down Syndrome Parent Support Group
Baltz Concrete
Philadelphia Insurance
Town of Tonawanda Police Club
Vanner Insurance
Tom & Lynn Houseknecht
The Landfried Family
Blue Bonnet Sponsors
Team Josh Tiede
Mike & Sue Graney
Aunt Judy Thrasher
Susan Finck
Bill Finck
West Coast Harris Family
Dan & Debbie Fischer
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Post Party Sponsors
Tops Friendly Markets  T.F. Brown’s
Upstate Farms  Tim Horton’s  Ficarella’s Pizzeria
Crickler Vending  Center Street Smoke House
5K Donations
Jeff & Chris Miller  Eileen & Ray Shirtz
The Reinhard Family  Joseph Mullen
The Tracy Family  Paula Campbell & Durin Rogers
Theodore & Christine Lesh  The Stratton Family
Ian Parrag  Joe’s Awards & Trophies  Teresa Honan
5K In-kind donations
Michael Kubiniec, DDS  Olympia Sports
Univera Healthcare  Sandy Konfederath
Creative Foods  Jim & Claudia Nigro
Paul & Donna Saskowski  Alex’s Place  A.J. Wormuth
Lamb Farms  Pudgie’s Lawn & Garden Center
Delre’s Greenhouses & Garden Center
SPECIAL THANKS
Fenton’s Produce, Porter Farms,
Harrington’s Market, Bakery & Café,
Panek Pumpkin Patch, Torrey Farms,
Partyka Farms, Watt Farms, Schwab Farm,
G. Mortellaro & Sons, CY Farms, My-T-Acres
Memorials, Honorariums & Donations
Genesee ARC accepts memorials, honorariums and donations which may be used for a particular purpose or at the Agency’s discretion. All donations are acknowledged both to the family and the donor. Checks should be made payable to Genesee ARC. Listed below are
memorials and donations from March 2015 through August 2015.
In Memory of Joe Barone
John & Joan Gray
In Memory of Loretta Glazier
The Nesbitt Family
In Memory of Dorothy Moynihan*
Terry & Patty Young
James Sullivan
Gene & Kathryn Warren
Charles & Anne O’Geen
David & Rebecca Keller
John & Margaret Steele
In Memory of Harold Wagner
Lori Van Derlinde
Joseph & Marilyn Wagner
Dena Germano
In Memory of
Shirley Maniaci and Frank DiPiazza
Elisa DiPietro
In Memory of Valerie Penepent
Harold & Nan Nesbitt
Marie Bauer
John & Joan Gray
Virginia Fugle
Paul & Donna Saskowski
Kate Fitzpatrick/Kenneth Wong
Gertrude Penepent
Mary & Brian Bisig
Thomas & Barbara Radley
Ricky & Elaine Bezon
Marcos & Joann Maleck
Dina Masi
Virginia Curry
Ann Marcello
Pat & George Harrison
Gary & Camille Barrett & Spanos
Benito Restaurante
Jan Miner
Glenn Lane
Robert Graham
In Memory of Thelma C. Montreal
Tom & Lynn Houseknecht
Brenda Moscicki
Paul & Shelley Falitico
Michael & Deb Riggi
Dan & Deb Fischer
Jerry & Darla Jaszko
Rodney & Kay Cook
Carl & Patricia Gardner
Esther Leadley
Charlotte Greening
Katharine Wilson Conroy
Gary & Carolyn Dawson
Alvin & Sally Scroger
Louis & Diane Lang
Paul & Donna Saskowski
Carl & Candie Pocock
Charles & Clarice Graney
The Lewandowski Family
Gary & Susan Maha
In Memory of Irene Gates
Ralph and Agnes Houseknecht
Charles Graney
In Memory of Marvin Childs
Jerry & Darla Jaszko
In Memory of Jackie Buszka
Paul & Donna Saskowski
In Memory of Marvin Skelton
Frank & Barbara Elliott
Lewis & Helen Partridge
Douglas & Barbara Keenan
Richard & Joyce Glazier
Angeline Darrow
Carl & Mary Anne Williams
Donn & Yvonne Branton
In Memory of Helen Del Plato
Mary Beth Egeling
In Memory of Marie Raines
Sal and Maureen Palatiere
In Memory of Kathy Mahaney
on her birthday
Benita & Kelly Smith
In Honor of Mary Pat Hancock
on Mother’s Day
William Hancock
In Honor of Sundae Duyssen
Christine Crocker, The Yngodess
In Honor of Sundae Duyssen and
Robert & Ann Duyssen’s
50th Wedding Anniversary
Patricia Navas
William & Jane McCarthy
Chip & Roberta Graney
Gene & Danea Traxler
Gene & Annette Boldt
James & Lynette Boldt
Steve & Crista Boldt
Von & Donn Branton
Robert & Lisa Doran
Laverne & Debra Falcone
William & Jeanne Freeman
Sheila Furr
Carol Gomborone & Joe Langen
Martha LaBombard
Lee & Annette Liebeck
Rose Maher
Ann Nesbitt
Judy Perkins
Donald Pickell & Nadine Lapp
Charm Robinson
Donald & Luella Scott
James & Darryl Tygart
Terry & Julie Watterson
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In Memory of Gloria Fisher
Donna & Paul Saskowski
In Memory of Mary Tiede
James Sullivan
Tim & Jill Yasses
Edward & Mary Jane Ferris
Donald Tiede
Dana Phelps
Erie & Niagara Insurance Assoc.
Frances Ernest
In Memory of Liana Harding
Randy & Jackie Harding
Shane Harding & Gwen Morrill
Linda Branning
GIFTS & DONATIONS
Ronald and Wanda Gilbert
Gordon and Margaret Lamb
The Lee Family
Martin and Gina Maher
The Bonadio Group
Dawn and Kevin Fisher
Sharon Anderson
Employees of Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C
Howard Ouriel
George Hughes
Barbara Guppenberger
Cheryl Davidson
Buffalo Bisons Charitable Foundation
Carol Montreal
Batavia Turf Farms
Bob and Mary Ellen Zickl
Diane Cook
Dan & Deb Fischer
Jerome Pawlak
Franklin Battaglia
Linda Blanchet
Beverly Shear
Shirley LeSeur
Ann Orlowski
Nancy Pascucci
Kathy Pricola
Michael Riggi
Laverne Bates
Batavia Business & Professional
Women’s Club
*Each memorial, honorarium and
donation makes a wonderful
difference to Genesee ARC. The
family of the late Edward & Dorothy
Moynihan requested a bench be
placed outside the Community Center
with memorial donations received.
THANK YOU!
Wish List
Can you help?
Genesee ARC program areas are always in need
of donations and replacement equipment. Take a
look at our wish list and maybe you can help.
EQUIPMENT
 Overhead Lift System
 AED Defibrillator
 Commercial grade food processor
 Fork Lift - 3000# capacity, propane powered,
171” lift, side shifter
PROGRAM
 Umbrellas that attach to a wheelchair
 Fabric clothing protectors
 Folding or rocking chairs
 Pots, pans and griddle for cooking class
 Food processors (Small, portable, battery-operated if possible)
 Digital camera for Photo Club
 Wii/Wii U systems and games
 Music CDs
 Computer games and card games
If you would rather make a gift to support the
purchase of a particular item, contact Shelley Falitico
at sfalitico@geneseearc.org or (585) 343-4203.
MAXI MOVE
Genesee & Orleans Update
Unification Vote
(Continued from page 1)
Each board recognizes the similarities between their
respective counties, Saskowski shared. “We are rural,
neighboring, agricultural communities, roughly the same size
in area and among New York’s smallest in terms of
population,” the executive director said. “Looking ahead,
we feel our similar cultures will allow for a smooth
transition,” she added.
In a joint statement the chapters’ executive boards
addressed finances as they had been asked if the unification
was being pursued due to current financial needs.
According to the statement, “We are choosing to unify in
order to effectively address the financial challenges resulting
from current NYS Medicaid transformational reform
initiatives. NYSARC, Inc., the non-profit organization that
oversees the Genesee and Orleans Chapters will monitor
and guide the voluntary unification process, which should
be completed in 2016. Genesee ARC was founded in 1966
and will be marking its 50th Anniversary next year. The Arc
of Orleans was founded in 1970 and is celebrating its 45th
anniversary in 2015. Combined, the agencies serve over
1,200 individuals with developmental or other intellectual
disabilities and their families.
Of the Boards’ decision to unify Saskowski said,
“This is a strong statement in support of the people we serve
and all of our staff. The Orleans and Genesee Chapters have
nearly one hundred years of experience serving people with
disabilities in our two counties; this vast experience will
position us well going forward,” the director said.
You can help support
the purchase of a major piece
of equipment for individuals
served by Genesee ARC.
Maxi Move, the most complete
mobile lift system available is a proven success in
care environments around the world. We began
raising funds for the Maxi Move lift at our annual
Genesee ARC Golf, Tennis & Bocce Tournament and participants
were very interested in supporting this purchase. To date,
nearly $1,000.00 has been raised for the equipment.
Donations for the Maxi Move lift can be sent to Genesee
ARC, 64 Walnut Street, Batavia, NY, 14020.
Another GREAT
Way to Help!
Amazon is the most popular
online shopping site. When you
shop at AmazonSmile, Amazon
donates 0.5% of the purchase
price to Genesee ARC. Please
bookmark the link:
http://smile.amazon.com/ch/16-1001185
and support us every time you
shop with Amazon. Thank you!
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Non-Profit
Organization
Batavia NY
Permit No. 216
64 Walnut Street
Batavia, NY 14020
(585) 343-1123
geneseearc.org
Please write to us at our address if you wish to have
your name removed from our newsletter mailing list.
Mission
Your gift for the
FUTURE!
“Genesee ARC exists to support
people with disabilities in partnership with
their families and the community.
We embrace the individuals and nurture their social,
spiritual, physical and emotional growth.”
Have you remembered Genesee ARC in your will?
A bequest helps ensure a bright future for people with disabilities
served by our Agency. If you would like more information,
please complete the form below and send it to:
Vision
Genesee ARC
Attn: Shelley Falitico, Director of Development
64 Walnut Street
Batavia, NY 14020
(585) 343-4203 ext. 222
“The vision of Genesee ARC is to be known
as the resource of choice for people with
disabilities and their families.
Name_____________________________________
Address___________________________________
We will provide a broad range of opportunities
that address their changing needs
and life-long aspirations.
_________________________________________
Phone #__________________________________
Genesee ARC envisions a world that
accepts people with disabilities as contributing
members of their community.”
Email _____________________________________
Values
The Core Values of Genesee ARC are:
Respect Integrity Fairness
Excellence Quality Innovation

I/We would like more information on ensuring a bright future
for people with disabilities served by Genesee ARC.

I/We have already made provisions in our will to benefit
Genesee ARC.
Thank you!
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